Note for Bill O'Brien's practice clipboard

Joe Hermitt-- The Patriot NewsCoach O'Brien shouts instructions to the player's during the game this past weekend.

Bill seemed to have a lot on his mind and not much to say in his post-game press conference so I decided to slip him some notes for this week's practice clipboard.

Special Teams

1.
Find a new punt and kick-off returner. Hodges was cramping and muffed a return. As much as the defense was on the field find
someone else with hands.

2.
More reps to Nyeem Wartman. Loved the aggressive play on extra points and
punts. Blocked punt led to 6 points.

Defense

1.
Practice defense with a no huddle offense scout
team. The hurry-up of Ohio caught our
defenders off guard. Especially bad on
the blitz.

2.
Blankenship had his way between the
tackles. Try same schemes with Derek
Day. Same size and weight. Maybe D-line couldn't see him coming behind
the Ohio O-line. Head down and plunged forward like a wrecking ball.

3.
Keep the game in front of the defense. Corners were playing so far up they could
hear the snap count. When they were beat,
no one was home to help the safeties. Linebackers
need to drop from blitz and pick up receivers.
Secondary picked on all afternoon.

4.
Reassure players that tipped balls happen. Try to bat down instead of grabbing the ball.
It should not keep them from aggressive play.

Offense

1.
Find some
running room and a back to run. Derek
Day and Michael Zordich looked good.
Give them more reps. See #2 above.

2.
Give more reps to TEs Kyle Carter and Matt
Lehman, plus WRs Allen Robinson, Kersey, and Kenney. Carter caught my eye with sure hands and good
blocking. Robinson lived up to
expectations that he could be a replacement for Justin Brown. Day took it to the head when his helmet came
off. Exhibited toughness when he
returned.

3.
Ball protection.
Ball protection. Ball protection.

4.
Few passes over 10 yards. Few plays over 20 yards. No receivers getting
past coverage. It allowed Ohio to
collapse on us.

5.
Practice more plays with TEs in motion. It worked really well with Carter .

Notes to self:

·
Have team meeting about finishing a game.

·
Have Spider put new chinstraps on Derek Day's
helmet. Can't afford to lose another tailback.